Faymoreau Mining Center

Dare to travel 100% mine!

// THE INCREDIBLE HISTORY OF COAL IN VENDEE AND DEUX-SEVRES //
1827... The discovery of a coal deposit marks the beginning of a great economic, human and industrial adventure in the region. Gradually, the bocage is transformed: pitheads, settlements, headframes and other industries shape the landscape. Social life is organized by the Société des Mines, which is building a veritable working-class city in the image of the major emerging industries in France. Men and children descended to 525 m underground to fetch the precious ore. The exploitation of this black gold, useful for industry and domestic heating, animated the region for more than 130 years, until the mines closed in 1958.
From the museum to the village, from the chapel to the headframe of Spain, from the reconstructed mine to the settlements of the mining town, passing through the stained glass windows of Carmelo Zagari, immerse yourself in the incredible adventure of the miners of the region and dare to travel 100% mine !

// LIVE YOUR MINE at the Mining Center! //
At the museum: trail-games, costumes for 3-12 year olds!
In the village: Baludik course in the settlements! Digital treasure hunt with Léo, the tramp.
Application available on your Smartphone and Android. We advise you to download the route before your visit and to recharge your phone.

// VISITS //
- The museum
Become a miner, cross the hall of the hanged, the lamp room before the surprising "descent" into the reconstituted mine where an immersive journey as close as possible to the black mouths awaits you. Go back to the day and discover the human, social and economic adventure of this small mine in the bocage as well as the great history of coal from its origins to today.
Get ready for a unique and unforgettable 100% mine trip!

- The exhibition MINE AND A LEGO® BRICKS THE SUITE, from April 1 to November 5, 2023
In 2023, the Mining Center invites you to continue the LEGO® brick adventure thanks to the exhibition "MINE AND A LEGO® BRICKS THE SUITE", designed and produced by BrickEvent.
Thousands of LEGO® bricks invade the museum to make you (re)discover the day-to-day world of mining in an original way: mine tile, glassware, settlements, scenes of life in the village, stations, lime kilns. .. At the end of the course, let yourself be tempted by the magic of DUPLO® bricks (from 18 months) and LEGO® bricks (from 4 years) and create your memory of the mine!

- The settlements and the stained glass windows (with audio guide)
Discover the history of the unique little mining town of Faymoreau, entirely built and organized by the Société des Mines to house the workers and their families, the foremen and the management.
Let yourself be surprised by the stained glass windows of Carmelo Zagari, a unique contemporary work in the region of 19 windows that combine colors, figures and spirituality.

// ACTIVITIES //
During the school holidays
Activities on registration, within the limit of available places

>GALIBOTS WEDNESDAYS
The "created" meeting for 7-12 year olds!
Every Wednesday of the holidays (except November 1) at 16 p.m. / 1 hrs / €30

>TO COAL… FAMILIES!
A wealth of activities to share with the family!
Every Thursday of the holidays at 16 p.m. / 1:30 a.m. / 4 € per person (from 3 years old)

// APPOINTMENT //
Museum Night, Heritage Days, Science Festival...